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Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

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131–140 of 337 posts

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#131

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I genuinely think book reading is the killer app for foldable devices. A bigger screen for a movie or TV is nice to have, but not a game changer. When you have that much screen real estate you can get a really enjoyable experience reading a novel or just easily read a textbook or research paper in a way that's simply not possible on even the largest of what you might consider a typical size phone. Plus, you no longer…

I agree with your first paragraph. For your second, I think you don’t understand why people buy/use iPads. First off, I don’t really know anyone who uses an iPad mini for anything productive (other than as a test device). A 7-9” screen is just not useful compared to a 13” iPad for things like Sidecar or reading sheet music in live performances. The 7-9” screen being an unfolded phone doesn’t change this. A folding iP…

> I don’t really know anyone who uses an iPad mini for anything productive

I guess you don't know many pilots? :)

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#132
post #50

Apple are in a bind here since the bend/crease will degrade over time. Other manufacturers get a pass on this sort of stuff (just look at Pixel phones not making emergency calls for a prime example), but apple will be hit with fines and class action lawsuits.

Don't make it sound like Apple is some sort of victim of regulation who's being picked on the whole time. They will not get fines and lawsuits if they make a foldable phone with a display that degrades over time. I do think a move like this will hurt their reputation for making durable devices. They are a victim of their own success a little here.

> They will not get fines and lawsuits if they make a foldable phone with a display that degrades over time.

They got lawsuits because of batteries that degraded over time.

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#133
post #46

I thought the idea of a folding phone was just a cash grab until I saw someone on the plane across the aisle from me interacting with one. It has been a while since I saw someone get so much enjoyment out of a device. The back and forth between folded and unfolded to read messages and watch movies/read a book was mesmerizing. It made me realize that this form factor could actually enhance the user experience in a mea…

That's curious. Folding phones are in the same bucket as 3D television in my mind.. but I'm probably not the target market.

Same thoughts.

I did try one, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for 6 months before going back to iOS (I'm too deep on the ecosystem, but I like to try Android again every once in a while).

I think I only used it unfolded like three times. It was pretty much pointless for me.

Anything I need a bigger screen for, I almost always have either my laptop or iPad with me for that. I don't WANT to do things on my phone, I actually want to use it less - a foldable offers the alternative deal, where you want to and actively use your phone for more and more tasks forgoing other devices.

Not for me, probably never will be.

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#134
post #109

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's curious. Folding phones are in the same bucket as 3D television in my mind.. but I'm probably not the target market.

You probably are in the target market but it's hard to understand how life changing it is without having one for at least a day.

It's only life changing if you use your phone for most of your computing. I don't, I tried a foldable and barely used it unfolded, just didn't "get it." If I need to do something that's frustrating on a phone screen, I don't use my phone - I almost always have my laptop with me, or my iPad near by. If I don't, it can probably wait until I get home anyway.

Consequently, probably why I might be "downgrading" from a pro max down to the new iPhone Air. No bulk, no excessive camera array...just a thin, light phone.

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#135

Foldables are a fad. Yeah, you can doomscroll with a bigger screen, but having to baby it? Also foldables, even when folded are bulkier. For whatever usecases for foldables, a tablet is more suitable.

Believe it or not people use phones for different purposes. Some people carry phones in bags or purses where space not a not a big concern. Some people use their phones for work and a bigger screen is helpful in the process and for multitasking. Some people aren't rough with their phones either.

A fad doesn't last this long. We are on year 7 of foldables available in the mainstream and sales and production are only increasing. Every major OEM has at least foldable or is releasing one soon. 3D TV's were fully dead in 7 years for context.

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#136
post #89

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Foldable phones are selling like hot cakes outside the U.S. but I don't know about the U.S. market. Could be catching up. Here are some things to know about folding phones 1. They're like expensive cars. Do not own one without a warranty 2. As soon as the new model comes out, swap it in 3. If you're into smaller phones, they're a good option 4. They are not for the financially conscious. Those things are kind of a st…

> 3. If you're into smaller phones, they're a good option Curious to hear more about this. I don't mind thickness so much. How small are they? If I can get a decent phone with a <= 5" screen, I'd be ecstatic.

What I meant was using the outer screen while folded (e.g. Z Flip models)

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#137
post #84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My parents are both on their third flip phones. Some people really like the form factor

It's funny. When/If Apple releases a foldable iPhone, suddenly most of these critics will think it's the greatest idea ever.

Just like Apple released touchscreen laptops, amirite? They were a bad idea and a crime against ergonomics.

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#138

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree with your first paragraph. For your second, I think you don’t understand why people buy/use iPads. First off, I don’t really know anyone who uses an iPad mini for anything productive (other than as a test device). A 7-9” screen is just not useful compared to a 13” iPad for things like Sidecar or reading sheet music in live performances. The 7-9” screen being an unfolded phone doesn’t change this. A folding iP…

> I don’t really know anyone who uses an iPad mini for anything productive I guess you don't know many pilots? :)

What do pilots use them for?

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#139
The newest thin fold looks amazing but I can't justify a $2K phone idk maybe I'm just poor. Like I used to want a Lamborghini Aventador but now I just want a Lotus Exige. $300K seems too much too me but again is it a poor/mindset thing. I think a land would be better use of that money.

Mindset as in levels... I used to be afraid of my $30K student debt while I was in school thinking getting an engineering job that pays $60K would be great but now I make more than that and my debt is also beyond $30K so yeah levels.

Re: Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

#140
post #16

So the facts we know are that 1) Samsung market share rising from 23% to 31% and 2) they recently released new foldable phones. But do we know that's the actual primary reason for the increase? I couldn't tell that from the article. The article mentions engagement of specific social media posts, but that's as much as it, without any sales number/estimates from anyone.

Just anecdotally I spent some time with older members of my family a couple months back in a hospice situation, and folding phones were very popular with everyone at the facility. If your vision isn't the best and maybe your hands aren't so steady, having double the real estate makes a big difference.
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